Constitutional Shift: Saint Lucia’s Governor-General Sir Cyril Errol Charles demitted office on July 31, and Felix Finisterre was appointed Acting Governor-General effective August 1, with PM Philip J. Pierre thanking Sir Errol for steering key constitutional milestones. SLP Politics & Cost Pressures: At a Castries Market Steps meeting, Pierre and SLP supporters pointed to “Putting People First” while arguing the country is still absorbing global shocks, including oil prices that have surged far above the opposition’s prior era. Public Safety—Drugs & Guns: Police charged three people after a coordinated Gros Islet operation, seizing a firearm magazine and suspected cannabis, with court dates set for later this year. Workplace Safety Policy: The Department of Labour moved closer to adopting Saint Lucia’s first National Occupational Safety and Health Policy after stakeholder validation workshops. Emancipation Day Message: Pierre used Emancipation Day to stress freedom must include economic empowerment, not just political independence. Newborn Grant Launch: Government officially rolled out the EC$1,000 one-time Newborn Grant (for babies born on/after Aug 1, 2026, with birth registration within six months). Health in Sports: The Republic Bank CPL will offer free fan health screenings at all eight host venues, targeting non-communicable disease risk checks. Regional Justice & Youth: CARICOM and Commonwealth youth ministers endorsed frameworks pushing youth development and reparatory justice themes across the region. Crime Probe—Rodney Bay Strip: Police are investigating a serious incident where a woman was hit by a minivan after an altercation, leaving her hospitalised with significant injuries.